Devotionals

Christians are to be so trustworthy that no one would need to demand an oath of us in ordinary circumstances in order to be sure that we will keep our word. In the context of making a solemn covenant, however, ...Read More

The principle that we are not to make oaths in the name of anyone but God alone is a powerful reminder of the sanctity of God’s name. When we use the Lord’s name in vain, we are attributing to someone ...Read More

Our Creator is concerned foremost with the intentions of our hearts, and He is not fooled when we make a promise in a way that might give us an “out” if we do not keep it. Thus, we must search ...Read More

When we come into the Lord’s presence, it is particularly important for us to be purposeful about what we say and how we listen. We should come to corporate worship expecting a word from God, namely, the faithful exposition of ...Read More

John Calvin comments on vv. 3–4 of today’s passage: “By these words he intimates that the kingdom of God would be much more magnificent and glorious at the coming of the Messiah, than it was under the shadowy dispensation of ...Read More

Believers are concerned to mortify sin and grow in holiness, so it is easy to become discouraged when we feel like we are failing in this task and are struggling against the sins that seem to overpower us. If you ...Read More

What are we to look for in a godly leader? Are we to find someone who simply wants to get the job done even if it means steamrolling the people under him? The answer is no. If even the Davidic ...Read More

Many people in this world profess to be atheists, denying that God exists because they say there is insufficient evidence for a Creator. We know, however, that there is no such thing as a true atheist. The created order itself ...Read More

Over the centuries, understanding the fleeting nature of political power has helped the church to stand firm in the midst of persecution. When one understands that the rulers of this earth have influence and might only temporarily but that God’s ...Read More

God does not delight in seeing His children suffer; rather, He imposes discipline for the greater good of our maturity in Christ. The discipline that we feel for our sin is not a sign that God hates us or is ...Read More